Research

Sustain

Advocate

YCS is a watchdog for industrial development and researches smart solutions for our territory.

History

Since 1968, the Yukon Conservation Society has been advocating, educating, and conducting research on Yukon environmental issues. What started as a small cadre of active volunteers focused on the Alaska Highway Pipeline has blossomed into a vibrant and diverse organization that works on mining, energy, protected areas, and more. Through a broad program of conservation education and input into public policy, we strive to ensure wise management of the Yukon’s natural resources, wilderness protection and that development is informed by land use planning.

YCS believes that strong Yukon communities are based on healthy land, water and wildlife. We are working to sustain the land for you and your children. If you value rivers you can drink out of, hunting, fishing, berry-picking, and hiking, cycling, boating and skiing in real wilderness, we are working for you. We envision a transition from imported fossil fuels to renewable energy and a sustainable way of life for all in the Yukon. We’re working to protect the Peel Watershed in partnership with Yukon First Nations and CPAWS-Yukon. And for over 40 years we have provided education to Yukon people; please join us for our free interpretive hikes every summer or contact us for information or presentations.

Since the early 1990s our volunteers have been supported by an Office Manager and Executive Director. YCS also employs Mining and Energy Analysts and an Outreach & Communications Director. In the summer, we employ three students as part of our trail guiding team.

We work with Yukon First Nations, land claims bodies, stakeholders and communities on issues of mutual interest.

For more than 30 years we have provided free interpretive hikes in the Whitehorse area to locals and visitors. We believe our trail guiding program is of vital importance to our conservation goals because when we understand and feel connected to our natural environment, we are likely to make better decisions about its conservation.

YCS raises money for its work through membership fees, donations, fundraising events, foundation and government grants, contracts and project funding. An independent auditor reviews our books annually; this audit is available upon request.